Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Spokesman of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), in the Southwest Hon. Comr. Kilamuwaye Badmus Oladayo – popularly known as BAKO – has dumped the party and resigned from his position.

Badmus, in two separate letters to the Ward 3 Chairman, Abeokuta South Local Government and the National Chairman of NNPP, tendered his resignation on October 29, 2025, citing personal reasons..

‘I, Hon. Comr. Kilamuwaye Badmus Oladayo aka BAKO, hereby formally tender my resignation as a member of the New Nigeria People’s Party in Ward 3 of Abeokuta South Constituency 1 area of Ogun State and at the same time as the Party’s Southwest PRO,’ he wrote.

The Abeokuta-born politician, who has been an active and vocal representative of the NNPP in the Southwest, expressed appreciation to God and members of the party for the opportunity to serve.

‘I am very grateful to Almighty God and to all the Southwest states of the New Nigeria People’s Party, especially the Ogun State NNPP, for giving me the opportunity to serve at the zonal national level of the party,’ he stated.

Badmus, known for grassroots mobilisation and media engagements within the NNPP structure, described his resignation as a ‘purely personal decision,’ adding the time in the party afforded him the platform to demonstrate his ‘political dexterity and sagacity.’

While he did not disclose his next move, sources close to the former NNPP spokesman hinted that he may be taking time to reassess his political direction.

BAKO, a seasoned political communicator and activist, played significant roles in advancing NNPP’s visibility across the Southwest geopolitical zone.

He was instrumental in coordinating several public engagements that enhanced the party’s image during the last election cycle.

His political style, often described as dynamic and strategic, earned him recognition from key stakeholders, including Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, who had publicly commended Badmus in previous events for his ‘unrelenting energy in mobilizing the youth and defending the party’s ideals.’

His resignation letters were copied to top NNPP leaders, including Senator Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, His Excellency, Engineer Abba Kabir Yusuf (Governor of Kano State), and His Excellency, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, the 2023 NNPP governorship candidate in Ogun State.

Political observers in Ogun and across the Southwest have begun to speculate on the implications of his exit, given his influence among NNPP youth structures and his visible role during the 2023 general elections.

Party insiders, however, described the move as ‘unexpected but respected,’ with one official stating that Badmus’ resignation ‘marks the end of an era of vibrant publicity and passionate advocacy for the party in the region.’

As of press time, NNPP leadership at the state and national levels were yet to issue an official response.

Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has said Lagos port investment is economic genius, not sabotage.

Spokesman Seye Oladejo said yesterday in a statement in Ogba, Lagos: ”We have once again been treated to the comic relief that passes for opposition commentary in Nigeria – this time, the laughable claim that ‘neglecting Warri, Calabar, Onne and Port Harcourt ports, while spending $1 billion on Lagos port, amounts to economic sabotage.

”This reckless statement only exposes, yet again, the opposition’s chronic ignorance of basic economics and governance. Their loud opinions are rarely backed by facts, figures, or even a faint understanding of national policy direction.”

He said the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda was not neglecting any port.

”The $1 billion investment in Lagos Deep Sea Port is part of a nationwide modernisation blueprint designed to transform Nigeria into West Africa’s premier maritime hub.

”It is not a Lagos project – it is a Nigeria project, attracting foreign direct investment from China Harbour Engineering Company and Singapore’s Tolaram Group, both of whom saw in President Tinubu’s vision a business environment worth their billions,” Oladejo further said.

Oladejo added: ”The same administration is executing the following: Onne Port modernisation, including equipment upgrade and digitalisation. Dredging of Calabar Port, to increase draft depth and accommodate larger vessels. Rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt Port complex, under a new concessionary framework; and Warri Port corridor expansion, with new rail link integration to ease inland cargo movement.

”But of course, the opposition wouldn’t know this – they’re too busy tweeting ignorance and recycling talking points from the political dustbin.”

He noted that the $1 billion Lagos Port investment was not sabotage. ”It’s economic foresight. It’s about creating jobs, boosting exports and ending decades of inefficiency that made Nigerian ports some of the most expensive in Africa.”

Oladejo said the Lekki Deep Sea Port, Nigeria’s first fully automated port, was already redefining port management, increasing turnaround time and boosting revenue to government coffers. ”It’s the kind of progress that threatens those whose only skill in politics is complaining without contributing.”

He added: ”The only sabotage here is the opposition’s attempt to weaponise regional sentiment against national progress. The tragedy is not that they don’t understand economics – it’s that they don’t care to learn.

”Although it is widely acknowledged that constructive intellectual engagement remains the major weak point of Mr. Peter Obi, he will do well to carry out in-depth research into any issue he wishes to put in the public domain.’

”This will help him avoid the legacy of generational embarrassment that comes from shallow, ill-informed commentary dressed up as economic analysis. Nigeria deserves leaders who think before they speak, not those who confuse populist sound bites for policy discourse.

”From the Bonny Deep Sea Port in Rivers, to the Ibom Port in Akwa Ibom, to the ongoing dredging and rehabilitation of Warri and Calabar ports – this administration’s commitment is holistic, inclusive and nationwide.

”That Lagos appears ahead is simply because vision meets execution here. President Tinubu’s leadership has always been about results, not rhetoric.

Unlike the opposition, which specialises in propaganda and excuses, APC builds what others only promise.”

Oladejo said those crying foul over the Lagos Port investment should first pick up a basic economic policy manual before embarrassing themselves further.

He said governance was driven by strategy, not sentiment, noting that President Tinubu and the APC remained focused on building a Nigeria that worked – one port, one project and one policy at a time.

”The opposition can continue to cry from the sidelines; the train of progress has already left the station.”

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal (AVM)Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has said air power pressure would be on terrorists such that they won’t have the time to plan attacks.

Aneke said the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) under his watch would keep the insurgents running without time to think or plan, assuring that he would lead a versatile, disciplined, and lethal service.

‘I use the word lethal in a professional sense because a man running from you will not have the time to plan to hurt you,’ he said.

A statement Wednesday by the Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the CAS gave the assurances during his confirmation before the National Assembly.

Ejodame said the Air Chief stressed that his leadership would be anchored on training, technology, safety, and strategic innovation, emphasising that ‘true military power is not measured by brute force but by superior intellect and adaptability.’

‘The new CAS vowed to build an Air Force that responds swiftly, strikes precisely, and acts intelligently across all spectrums of military operations, a force defined not only by strength, but by precision, professionalism, and purpose,’ said the DOPRI.

Aneke’s confirmation followed his nomination by President Bola Tinubu in accordance with Section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.With this confirmation, he legally succeeds Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, joining other Service Chiefs as a member of the Armed Forces Council.

Lawmakers at the confirmation session praised AVM Aneke’s depth of experience, operational leadership, and intellectual grounding.

They particularly commended his tenure as Air Officer Commanding, Mobility Command, where he improved strategic airlift capability, strengthened joint operations, and enhanced the

NAF’s responsiveness in complex security environments. His leadership in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations was also lauded for its critical role in shaping Nigeria’s counter-insurgency efforts and internal security outcomes.

Beyond the individual merit of his appointment, AVM Aneke’s confirmation carries constitutional and strategic significance. Constitutionally, it reinforces the principle of civilian oversight in military leadership and underscores the National Assembly’s role in ensuring transparency and democratic accountability within the Armed Forces. Strategically, it marks continuity and confidence in a leadership transition aimed at consolidating NAF’s modernisation drive, expanding airpower projection, and deepening civil-military trust.

A scholar and strategist, AVM Aneke is a graduate of the United States Air War College, Montgomery, Alabama, and holds multiple advanced degrees, including Master’s degrees in Strategic Studies, International Affairs and Diplomacy, and Political Economy and Development Studies. With more than 4,300 flight hours across several aircraft types, he stands among Nigeria’s most accomplished pilots and forward-looking airpower professionals.

The confirmation session was witnessed by key dignitaries, including the Honourable Minister of Defence, Dr Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, and the Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters, Senator Basheer Lado. As he assumes office, AVM Aneke’s message to Nigerians is clear: the Nigerian Air Force under his command will be swift in action, precise in strike, and intelligent in execution, a force built not merely for power, but for purpose, protection, and progress.

The management of Transcorp Hilton Abuja on Tuesday hosted leading media executives to an evening of networking and appreciation, reaffirming its commitment to sustaining a strong and mutually beneficial relationship with the media.

The event, themed ‘Media Cocktail Reception,’ brought together prominent journalists, senior editors, and members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, led by its Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike.

In his welcome address, the General Manager of Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Mr. Zarybnicky, expressed deep appreciation to the media for their consistent support over the years through reportage and positive coverage.

He described his experience in Nigeria since assuming duty in August as ‘remarkable and deeply rewarding,’ commending Nigerians for their warmth, hospitality, and continued patronage of the hotel.

‘This is definitely the leading hotel in Africa, and we are very proud of this brand. For over thirty years, Transcorp Hilton has been the pride of Abuja,’ he said.

‘In just three months in Nigeria, I have found this country amazing – the people’s sense of humor, the food, and the culture. We at Hilton appreciate everyone and look forward to deepening our relationship with the media,’ he added.

Mr. Zarybnicky reaffirmed the hotel’s commitment to maintaining an open and collaborative relationship with the media, emphasizing that such partnerships are vital to growth and innovation in the hospitality sector.

He assured that the doors of Transcorp Hilton Abuja ‘will always remain open to the media for enquiries, engagement, and partnership opportunities that highlight the hotel’s exceptional services.’

During the event, the Communications and Marketing Manager, Mrs. Ijeoma Osuji, made a brief presentation showcasing the hotel’s innovative hospitality offerings and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

According to her, in 2025 alone, the hotel recycled over 15,000 kilograms of waste through eco-friendly processes and supported hundreds of individuals, including persons living with disabilities, through its CSR projects.

Among the dignitaries in attendance were the Immediate Past President of the NUJ, Comrade (Chief) Chris Isiguzo, MFR; Deputy Managing Director of Arise News, Mr. Bayo Awosemo; NUJ FCT Council Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike; Council Secretary, Comrade Sandra Udeike; and Council Auditor, Mrs. Rosemary Ukoko-Tega, among others.

Recognised as one of sub-Saharan Africa’s leading five-star hotels, Transcorp Hilton Abuja boasts 670 luxury rooms, eight restaurants and bars, a 670-capacity event hall, and extensive recreational facilities, including a casino, golf course, tennis courts, and a health club.

As a premier destination for business, leisure, and international diplomacy, the hotel continues to serve as a landmark venue, hosting heads of state, global conferences, and distinguished guests from across the world.

Those present from the hotel’s management team included the General Manager, Mr. Martin Zarybnicky; Communications and Marketing Manager, Mrs. Ijeoma Osuji; Hotel Manager, Mr. Mohamed Said Khalil; Commercial Director, Mrs. Betty Aguiyi-Ironsi; Brand and Marketing Manager, Mr. Ifeanyi Nnadi; and Director of Sales, Mr. Ekun Daniel Friday.

Chemical and Non-Metallic Products Employers Federation has called on Federal Government to realign its reforms to avoid stifling private sector’s growth.

The federation raised concerns about the country’s business environment, calling for action to address rising energy costs, multiple taxation and weak infrastructure that continue to stifle growth in the industrial sector.

Speaking at its 46th AGM in Lagos, President, Chief Devakumar Edwin, painted an economy struggling under inflationary and structural pressures, but praised the resilience of manufacturers who ‘innovate, diversify and adapt amid daunting challenges.’

Some reforms, he said, are tax/fiscal policy, monetary policy, trade policy, industrial revolution, aviation sector and immigration policy reforms.

‘The removal of fuel subsidy and floating of the naira were intended for reform. But these escalated energy and import costs, raising operational expenses in industries. Despite the headwinds, members adapted, optimising resource use and exploring regional export markets, ‘ Devakumar said.

According to him, the non-oil sector, which includes manufacturing grew by 3.96 percent in 2024, yet this growth did not translate into improved competitiveness due to high input costs, multiple taxation, and limited access to foreign exchange.

The CANMPEF President acknowledged the Federal Government’s recent efforts to stabilize the economy, including the suspension of the Expatriate Employment Levy (EEL) and the introduction of the Nigeria First policy to promote local content and import substitution.

He also commended the issuance of N1.1 trillion Sovereign Sukuk bonds for road projects but cautioned that infrastructure development must move from ‘policy to practice.’

He added that, ‘A ‘Nigeria First’ policy must be matched with ‘Nigeria’s Infrastructure First’ to succeed. Poor road networks, unreliable power supply, and multiple taxes continue to inflate production costs. These issues must be addressed if local industries are to thrive.’

Edwin outlined CANMPEF’s strategic priorities for 2025 and beyond, emphasizing aggressive advocacy on infrastructure, development of local value chains, and strengthening member support systems.

‘The operationalization of the Dangote Refinery is a milestone. But we must build linkages that connect raw material producers to end-users for a resilient, self-sufficient industry.

‘Our vision is clear, to position the chemical and non-metallic industry as a pillar of Nigeria’s industrial renaissance,’ he declared.

Edwin further urged the Federal Government to harmonize regulatory functions, reduce energy costs, and prioritize industrial infrastructure.

The Federation also called on policymakers to partner more closely with industry groups in crafting policies that encourage investment, create jobs, and strengthen Nigeria’s manufacturing competitiveness.

In his own words, CANMPEF Executive Secretary, Femi Oke, presented a detailed report that described 2024 as ‘a year of perfect storms’ for manufacturers.

He cited the combined effect of global trade tensions, the aggressive monetary tightening by the Central Bank, the lingering fuel subsidy removal, and the 230.8 per cent electricity tariff hike as critical factors that worsened production costs and squeezed profit margins.

‘In April 2024, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission increased tariffs for Band A customers from N68 to N225 per kilowatt-hour. For an industry already battling fuel shortages and weak infrastructure, this was devastating. Many manufacturers are now questioning their sustainability.’

Oke noted that recurring fuel scarcity, protests over economic hardship, and high borrowing costs created a stagflationary environment that eroded industrial productivity.

‘The Monetary Policy Rate rose to 27.5 percent by Q4 2024, one of the steepest increases in our history,’ he added. ‘This has made access to credit for working capital nearly impossible for many firms.’

Both executives lamented the burden of overlapping taxes and regulatory levies imposed by multiple federal and state agencies.

His words: ‘Our members face a web of duplicative mandates from agencies such as NESREA, SON, NAFDAC, and numerous Lagos State regulatory bodies.

‘There is an urgent need to harmonize these functions to reduce cost and confusion,’ he said.

The Federation, he added, has intensified advocacy through partnerships with the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) and continued dialogue with government agencies.

‘We remain committed to promoting a predictable regulatory environment.

‘A stable policy framework is the foundation of industrial growth,’ he said.

Women are at the heart of local economies and should be supported, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of Gbonse Foundation for Economic Development, Mrs Helen Olaniyan, has said.

She said supporting women means supporting families, education for children, and healthier communities.

‘Women often reinvest up to 90 per cent of their earnings in families and communities.

‘When women have access to small loans and business support, everyone benefits,’ Mrs Olaniyan said.

She reaffirmed the body’s commitment to empowering women through access to small loans, financial education, and community-based support.

Mrs Olaniyan spoke at a community outreach in Igando area of Lagos.

It featured free medical check-ups and an awareness session on the foundation’s empowerment programmes.

Mrs Olaniyan said its mission was to lift women, one business at a time, by providing financial and educational tools to help them thrive.

‘We understand it is not easy for market women and small business owners who struggle daily to buy goods, make profit, pay rent, and still take care for their families.

‘That is why we let them know help is available. Through our small loans and training programmes, we support hardworking women to grow and improve their lives.’

Mrs Olaniyan noted that the foundation, registered with Corporate Affairs Commission focuses on financial inclusion, empowerment, and sustainable growth.

She said its core activities include giving micro loans to traders and small business owners, as well as offering training on money management and entrepreneurship.

According to her, the foundation’s ideals are integrity, innovation, inclusivity, transparency, and accountability.

Mrs Olaniyan urged women entrepreneurs and traders to take advantage of its programmes, assuring them no collateral was required to access loans, but only commitment and readiness to repay.

She urged stakeholders and partners to collaborate with the foundation to expand its reach and impact nationwide.

One of the beneficiaries of the free medical outreach, Kudirat Adeola, commended the foundation for the initiative.

‘I am happy to be here. Most of us do not have money to go to the hospital, but medical outreach like this is what we benefit from,’ she said.

Another beneficiary, Oluwapelumi Owolabi, said she was on the other side of the road when he noticed the canopy where medical personnel were attending to people.

‘I don’t have money on me, but when I got here, they attended to me well and for free,’ she added.

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, yesterday, laid out comprehensive measures being implemented by the Federal Government to ensure that the gains of macroeconomic reforms substantially impact Nigerians.

Edun, who spoke at Oxford Global Think Tank Leadership Conference in Abuja, said the government’s reforms were being implemented with a clear focus on easing the hardship faced by citizens, particularly the poor and vulnerable.

He said while many Nigerians are struggling with impact of rising food and transport costs, the government is already rolling out targeted interventions to cushion these effects.

According to him, the government has established a transparent, accountable, and robust system for providing direct payments to 15 million households in Nigeria.

‘Each individual beneficiary is identified by name and their National Identity Number, and payments are made digitally-either directly to their bank accounts or mobile wallets,’ Edun said.

He explained that the digital payment approach ensures real-time monitoring, transparency, and accountability in the disbursement process.

Addressing concerns that some communities have not yet benefited, Edun said data showing the names of beneficiaries, who have received the first, second, and third tranches of payments, would soon be made public.

He added that beyond cash transfers, the government has introduced a ward-based development programme to deliver resources, information, and funding directly to Nigeria’s 8,809 wards in the 774 local governments.

He said: ‘The initiative will empower economically active people at the ward level-supporting small businesses, cottage industries, and local entrepreneurs to boost production and create sustainable livelihoods’.

According to him, the reform agenda is not only designed to stabilise the economy but also to ensure that its benefits reach right down to the lowest levels of society.

He described the ward-based initiative as a people-centred intervention that brings governance closer to the grassroots.

‘Our goal is to build an inclusive economy where every Nigerian feels the positive impact of reforms,’ Edun said.

On youth involvement, Edun lauded Nigerian youths for demonstrating values, such as empathy, integrity, and responsibility, which are essential qualities for the next generation of national leaders.

He also lauded the organisers of the conference for promoting dialogue on leadership and national development.

Former Director General of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Founder of Oxford Global Think Tank, Ms. Arunma Oteh, called for urgent and coordinated efforts to mobilise long-term capital, accelerate infrastructure development, and reform the management of Nigeria’s mineral resources to drive sustainable growth.

Oteh, a former vice president at the World Bank, said Nigeria’s economy would remain constrained until it attracts ‘reasonably priced, long-term, patient capital’ to finance government and private sector projects.

She noted that Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit remains a major obstacle to growth, saying while China invests about 24 per cent of its GDP in infrastructure, Nigeria invests only four to five per cent.

She said: ‘If we want to bridge our infrastructure gap, we must increase that investment to at least 12 per cent of GDP’.

Oteh praised some of the government’s initiatives to attract investment but urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Ministry of Finance to scale up their efforts.

‘Small businesses need affordable financing, and the government needs to expand its capacity to invest in roads, power, and logistics to move goods to markets,’ Oteh said.

She further called for diversification of Nigeria’s economy through its mineral sector, stressing that the country possesses at least 40 commercially viable minerals that remain largely untapped.

She said: ‘Why are we not exporting these 40 minerals in commercial quantities? Why are minerals still on the exclusive legislative list? We should decentralise the sector so that each state can develop and benefit from its natural resources. That is how to expand our revenue base and create jobs’.

She said the Oxford Global Project would soon publish a special report, titled: Reforming Africa’s Mineral Sector to Prosper Africa, reflecting renewed international interest in harnessing the continent’s resource potential.

She also spoke on qualities required for Nigeria’s transformation.

She said: ‘Our grandparents taught us that leadership is about values – doing the right thing even when it’s hard. If we have that kind of leadership, the next generation will take Nigeria to greater heights.

‘We all need to put our hands on deck- government, business, and citizens- to invest in our nation and create opportunities for everyone’.

Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, described the country’s economic challenges as the cumulative consequence of delaying key reforms, particularly removal of petrol subsidy.

According to him, the decision to remove the subsidy was ‘not just an economic choice but a necessary correction to an unsustainable policy.’

He said: ‘If you pay N65 per litre and suddenly begin to pay N160, of course there will be hardship. The duty of leadership is to recognise that there will be costs and to mitigate them-not to avoid reform entirely’

The emir explained that Nigeria’s former subsidy structure operated as a ‘hedge’, not a true subsidy.

‘The government told 200 million Nigerians they would not pay more than a fixed amount per litre no matter what happened to oil prices or exchange rates. When oil went from $40 to $140, the government paid the difference. When the naira depreciated from N155 to N300, the government paid the difference. That was not a subsidy; it was the worst form of derivative-an open-ended hedge,’ he said.

He said this approach eventually led Nigeria into ‘borrowing money not just to pay subsidies but also to service the interest on those loans,’ describing it as ‘bankruptcy by policy.’

Reflecting on his 2012 warnings against delay in removing fuel subsidy, the former CBN governor remarked: ‘If we had removed it then, inflation would have risen slightly – from 11 to about 13 per cent – and stabilised. Now, we are facing inflation above 30 per cent. This is the cost of delay.’

He lauded the CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, for steering the bank toward stability.

He said: ‘The Central Bank’s role is not to create growth or employment but to provide stability and an environment conducive to growth – and I believe the leadership has made progress in that regard’.

Students of tertiary institutions in Anambra State have declared their support for the re-election bid of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo ahead of the November 8 governorship election.

The students, under the auspices of the National Union of Anambra State Students (NUASS), made their position known during a colloquium in honour of Governor Soludo held at the ASUU Secretariat, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

Speaking on behalf of the student body, NUASS President, Comrade Felix Nwachinaemelu, said Soludo’s focus on youth inclusion, skill acquisition, and innovation has inspired students across the state to believe more in governance and their own role in shaping Anambra’s future.

He praised the governor’s visionary leadership and enduring impact on innovation and youth empowerment, commending his people-oriented policies and pledging the union’s support for his re-election bid.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Anambra State ICT Agency, Mr Fred Agbata, commended the students for rallying behind the governor’s second-term ambition, describing Soludo as a visionary leader who has redefined governance through innovation and technology.

Delivering a keynote address on the theme: ‘Rethinking Developmental Governance: The Philosophy of Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo,’ Agbata highlighted the governor’s transformative strides anchored on a philosoph Students of tertiary institutions in Anambra State have declared their support for the re-election bid of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo ahead of the November 8 governorship election.

The Enugu State government has appointed former national hurdler and AFN Performance Director Victor Okorie as Chairman of the Enugu State Athletics Association Board.

His inauguration conducted by the state’s Commissioner for Sports, Ike Ekweremadu Jr, also saw 10 other members unveiled to drive a fresh era of track and field development in the state.

Meanwhile in a goodwill message, Coach Chukwuashi hailed the appointments and urged the new board to bring passion and integrity to the job.

Okorie, visibly elated, thanked Ekweremadu for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to revive Enugu’s dominance in athletics.

‘We’ll give everything to restore Enugu to the top of Nigerian athletics,’ he vowed.

A respected figure in grassroots sports across the South East, Okorie’s new mandate includes preparing the state’s athletes for the upcoming National Sports Festival and other major competitions.

The board members include:

*Victor Okorie

Coach Elizabeth Chukwuashi

Onovo Boniface

Henry Nwosu

Eze Justus

Agu Justin

Emeka Benjamin Chukwu

Chris Onwuzuruike

Ephrem Ochonma

Ken Onuaguruch

John Ikpechi

Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has called for reforms to strengthen access to finance for small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) and ensure Nigeria benefits from the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS).

The governor described the ETLS as a major opportunity to expand trade across the West African region.

Mbah, who was represented by his deputy, Ifeanyi Ossai, spoke at a one-day sensitisation workshop on the ETLS, with the theme: Increasing Intra-Regional Trade through ETLS, held on Monday at the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Enugu.

He hailed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and ECOWAS National Unit for choosing Enugu as the venue of the workshop.

Mbah noted that the Southeast, known for its strong trading culture and entrepreneurial drive, stood to gain immensely from the scheme.

‘You know we’re traders. When you talk about SMEs in Nigeria, you can’t discount the Southeast because that’s what we’re known for,’ Mbah said.

‘The ETLS presents an opportunity to expand trade not just for us but for other countries within our region.’

The governor cautioned that while regional integration offers new trade opportunities, the lessons from the past must not be ignored.

‘There are critics who view globalisation as suffocating local production. They’re not entirely wrong. We once had Peugeot in Kaduna, Michelin in Port Harcourt and Lagos, and Aba was known for some of the best shoes. Sadly, all those have disappeared,’ he said.

Mbah urged the Federal Government to establish frameworks that would protect local manufacturers while implementing regional and global trade agreements.

The governor also called for the decentralisation of approval powers in development finance institutions, such as the Bank of Industry (BoI), the Bank of Agriculture, and NEXIM Bank, to ensure quicker access to funding for entrepreneurs.

‘For an SME trader in Ogbete Market or Coal Camp seeking finance, applications shouldn’t have to wait for approval from Abuja,’ he said. ‘The government must restructure policies to empower regional offices to approve facilities for viable businesses. Development finance should be based on business potential, not collateral.’

Mbah also proposed the creation of an ECOWAS Commercial Bank to support regional infrastructure and SMEs.

‘Manufacturing and production cannot thrive without robust infrastructure. ECOWAS must begin to tinker with a commercial bank that finances governments and supports SMEs,’ he added.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, described the workshop as a vital step towards deepening regional integration and empowering small businesses to take advantage of West Africa’s growing market.

‘The ETLS is not just a technical instrument but a strategic pillar of West Africa’s integration agenda,’ she said.